Monday, 1 October 2012

Jarrovians RUFC - A Diamond in the Rough

‘It doesn’t get more grass roots than Jarrovians RUFC’ read a piece
on the internet when describing north east clubs. This statement has
always sounded a little harsh but can be understood somewhat if you
don’t know the full story and history of the team.

The
fact that a rugby club even exists in Jarrow may come as a surprise to
most. A shipbuilding town known primarily for the 1936 march, musician
Alan Price of The Animals and world champion athlete and now BBC
commentator Steve Cram, rugby has never made a major impact on the
consciousness of the town. Indeed there still remains some within South
Tyneside who are blissfully unaware of the clubs existence. But exist
they do and what a club they are.

Formed in 1978 when
a few players from Hebburn Technical College decided to start their own
team, Jarrovians has had an almost rollercoaster existence. From its
creation the club quickly grew to two teams and had moderate success
during the 80’s. It’s most successful period came in the early 90’s.
Now running a total of three teams and a colts side, Jarrovians gained
promotion in 1991 only to have that taken away from them when the
leagues were restructured that summer. Promotion would be gained again
later in the decade but amazingly the same outcome would befall the
club.

The club’s fortunes would start to dwindle as the
century closed. Three teams would become two and the new century did not
alter the downward spiral. Jarrovians were now struggling to fulfil two
fixtures and with league games being some of these games to be
cancelled, eventually the painful decision to withdraw from league
competitions was taken.

After one season out of league
competition the club attempted a return. It was an attempt which ended
within a couple of months, injuries and the loss of key players on the
eve of the new season, coupled with close but demoralising defeats
proved too much and the club took the decision to once again drop out of
the league, this time however vowing not to return for at least three
seasons. It was a decision that would prove genius.

At
this point the playing staff of the club was made up of a lot of
experienced players, most of whom were heading to the end of their
playing careers. However the following summer would see an influx of a
few, young, talented players join the club and the following season saw
the club compete, and compete well, in the Durham Junior ‘Second Team’
League. On top of this the club ‘inherited’ two teams at the
Midi/Junior level, creating the club’s first ever Junior section.

The
colts side that existed during the 91 season existed for just a few
years. It was followed 6 years later by another side, which again
lasted for just a few years. So the introduction of a youth setup was a
new and exciting venture, one which the members of the club have risen
to with their usual determination and good humour. It hasn’t always
gone smoothly. With most having no knowledge of the youth side of the
game a lot of what followed was trial and error, and the loss of one of
the ‘inherited’ sides due to loss of players and the problem of
guaranteeing games was a significant blow. But it did not dampen
spirits and much like the senior arm of the club, newer players at
various age groups started to slowly appear.

Off the
field the club had finally, for the first time in their history, secured
a clubhouse of their own. After match entertainment had always been
held at various pubs around Jarrow and Hebburn up to this point so the
coming of a small, yet comfortable, permanent base of operations was a
massive feather in the cap. It allowed the club to grow, attracting new
players and members, bringing a small but steady flow of income into
the club and providing a safe environment for the Juniors and has
continued to do so.

Back on the field the club continued
to grow and improve. As vowed they didn’t look to re-entering official
RFU competition and continued to look at improving and recruiting. Two
further seasons of challenging for honours in the Second Team League
however and this decision could not be ignored any longer. And so in
2011-2012 it was with a great sense of optimism and excitement that
Jarrovians RUFC re-took their place in Durham and Northumberland
Division 3.

The season that followed saw Jarrovians
confound the critics and finish 6th out of the 12 teams. Along the way
they played some great stuff, culminating in a great victory over
already promoted Seaham. The Junior Section also continued to grow with
numbers reaching just below 50, the highest level since its formation.
Games took place at three different age groups, a first for the club,
and in another first the club fielded two girls in a game. Further
firsts saw the club host the U9 County Cup as well as their own Sevens
tournament.

This season sees the club hoping to
consolidate it’s position in the league while at the same time
continuing their growth and improvement in both Senior and Junior
sections. As normal with Jarrovians it won’t be easy but the members
will strive to achieve this with their usual good humour and friendly
demeanour. Anyone wanting to be part of this exciting era is always
more than welcome. Training sessions for Seniors take place at their
Luke Lanes base every Thursday night at 6.30 with games on a Saturday
afternoon. The Juniors take to the field every Sunday at 10am with all
age groups from U6 up to U17 training and playing in a safe, fun
environment.

Grass roots they may be but if you search
among that grass you’ll come across a small gem, a shining light of
North East rugby who encompass everything that is good and great in the
game, a real diamond in the rough!

(Article originally appeared in the Newcastle Falcons v Leeds Carneige programme - Friday 28th September 2012)

About Me

Currently doing a MA Sports Journalism course at Sunderland University. Covering Jarrovians and Westoe Rugby Clubs for the Shields Gazette but blog about sport in general and cycling and football in particular.